Houston swears in new police officer

Mayor Scott Wallace swore in new police officer Josh DeBoer at the regular Houston City Council meeting April 10. Josh’s mom LoAnn had the honor of pinning Josh’s badge on his uniform as he teased, “Don’t worry, I have my vest on!”

Danica Stampka of Houston troop 531 visited the council to request and receive approval for her Eagle Scout project. Stampka shared that she already has the funding for the installation of a flagpole and flag at the Trailhead Park and has discussed its location with PWD Randy Thesing.

Citizen comments

Rebecca Nelson of 110 N. Chase Street came to request help with a neighbor. According to Nelson, her neighbor houses over 20 chickens and a rooster in her house, which she often allows to roam freely in a nearby cornfield. In addition, Nelson said her dogs have found rats and said she’s seen five rats on the road near the property. The home is very unkempt with discarded furniture and garbage in the yard.

Nelson has contacted the city and police and submitted a written complaint in the past year. She’s looking for more help in dealing with the issue. According to police chief Brett Hurley, a letter was sent to the homeowner regarding this. While the city has an ordinance against chickens in the city, if a property owner has 10 acres or more, they may have livestock on the land. Hurley recommended that Nelson call city hall when the chickens are loose since chickens are not allowed to roam the city. The situation needs to be documented to proceed with any action.

Mark Nesler of Nesler Auto asked that the council share more information with business people when items pertaining to them appear on the agenda for upcoming meetings. Nesler was concerned about his commercial property taxes which he said had gone up by 25% this year.

Cody Mathers explained that all of Houston County had been reevaluated this year and had increased in value. He pointed out that the county assessor will be at the 5:30 p.m. April 26 Board of Appeal and Equalization meeting at city hall. At this meeting, people who feel their taxes are incorrect can ask questions.

Mathers also asked Nesler what the city could do for him as a business. Nesler responded that he’d appreciate the city bringing in resources to help bring in outside tourism.

Eileen Loken addressed the council seeking their help in selling the Sawmill Inn. Eileen and her husband John built the Sawmill Inn in 2005 with their own investment. Now with John’s health failing, they have been trying to sell the Sawmill for nine years. Loken shared that  they need to retire and plan to close the doors after this season.

Loken claimed the negativity in Houston regarding the OHV trail, the possible school referendum, and potential tax increase has scared away buyers. According to her, Houston needs a breakfast location in town and needs to be more open in sharing information about upcoming projects such as the Owl Center. She feels citizens should have more opportunity to ask questions and share ideas. Loken urged the city to decide if the motel is an asset to the city and help her.

Karla Bloem appeared to suggest the council request training for the PWD in identifying noxious weeds from the county. Bloem opined that the PWD could then “nip the weeds in the bud” when they begin to appear and thus save a lot of work in the future.

When Fred Beseler asked for an update on the OHV trail, Cody Mathers shared that an email and been sent in February to Greg Davids, Jeremy Miller, and the DNR requesting a meeting. In March, he followed up with the DNR; no response has been received as of yet.

Business conducted

The council conducted the following business:

•Approved a work order proposal of $10,000 for engineering fees from Bolton and Menk to design and go out for quotes on a sewer lining project on Cedar Street; funding will come from the $105,000 available from ARPA;

•Renewed the contract for refuse and recycling with Waste Management; recycling with be picked up every other week;

•Directed city administrator Michelle Quinn to check with the DNR on permitting the proposed Hoedown fireworks location along the bike trail;

•Approved the hiring of Leonard Olson for seasonal maintenance;

•Approved the purchase of a new $5002.85 city hall furnace;

•Heard from head librarian Liz Gibson-Gasset that she will be resigning at the end of May to retire and move to France.

The next meeting of the Houston City Council will be May 8 in the council chambers at 6 p.m. The public is welcome to attend.